Joanne Lois Nelson

Joanne Lois Nelson, age 69, of La Grande, died December 1, 2009 at the Grande Ronde Hospital. A private graveside service was held.

Joanne was born on March 30, 1940, the daughter of Frank and Emily (Reid) DeLaVergne in Portland, Oregon. She attended schools in Portland and on September 12, 1959 she married Dean Nelson. In 1972 they moved to La Grande and worked various places, including the ESD, Pierce Library and Wayne's Market. She enjoyed working with children. She enjoyed ceramics, gardening, playing games and loved dogs. She loved being a grandmother.

Survivors include her children, Cindy Nelson of Eugene and Dean Nelson of Big Lake, Alaska; brother, Jim DeLaVergne of Sand Point, Idaho; grandchildren Amber Alexander of Eugene, Stephen Nelson of Vallejo, California and Michelle Nelson of Big Lake, Alaska; great grandchildren Emily Hatfield and Nicolas Stahly; and other relatives and friends.

Those who wish may make contributions in her memory to the Joanne Nelson Memorial Fund in care of Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 7th Street in La Grande.

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